Notebook: Spirit, Dash and Red Stars add to staff ahead of the 2019 season

The latest news from the NWSL offseason

BY Celia Balf January 04, 2019
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The 2019 NWSL regular season will begin the weekend of April 13-14. (Photo credit: Wilf Thorne/isiphotos.com)

It continues to be a busy offseason for teams across the NWSL as the Washington Spirit, Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars all announced new additions to their staff this week.

On Friday, the Spirit hired Larry Best as the team’s first CEO. According to a press release from the Spirit his role will include club strategy and operations along with the hiring and management of technical staff.

Additionally on Friday, the Chicago Red Stars named named Rade Tanaskovic as the goalkeeper coach. Tanaskovic joins the Red Stars after coaching the goalkeepers at the University of Iowa. Tanaskovic led his unit to 14 shutouts and 17 wins over two seasons.

“The Chicago Red Stars is one of the best soccer organizations in the land and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be part of it,” Tanaskovic said in the Red Stars press release. “I have been blessed to be able to work with some remarkable individuals throughout my career and that trend is going to continue here in Chicago by working with Coach Dames and rest of the staff. I truly look forward to meeting all the players and starting preseason soon.”

On Thursday, the Houston Dash announced their technical staff for the 2019 season. Joining new Dash head coach James Clarkson as assistant coaches are Eddie Robinson and Monica Gonzalez, and Brenton Saylor was hired as the goalkeeper coach.

“I’m extremely excited about the technical staff we have been able to put together for the new season,” Clarkson said in the Dash’s press release. “All three bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will help me and the players on and off the field. We are striving to create an outstanding environment and culture that will allow everyone involved to be successful.”